Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

She stayed out in the city for too long. The noises were so loud that she wanted to curl up in a ball. But she needed to get back to her camp. She needed to survive and make her tribe proud. She has done this for years— since she was young- She can handle a little noise and heat! And some starvation and dehydration, surely...

But she felt herself cramp up. The sounds were overstimulating her, along with the sweltering heat and the blaring sun of the summer season. She didn’t realize she collapsed on the hot sand. Her ears were buzzing, hurting. She felt something in her, too, almost choking. She barely noticed Lil’ Buddy with her, trying to help but failing. She felt like she was lying there forever, paralyzed.

Through the pain, she felt someone shake her while talking. All it did was make her hurt more. Something was placed in her ears and every sound lowered. Her body was in shock, consciousness fading. All she registered was being moved.

Alyx wasn’t too far out of the city’s borders before realizing just how damn hot it was in the middle of summer. Sweat beaded on the surface of their skin and the world around them wavered in its unbalanced hot to cold ratio. They lifted their hand up to block out the sun, coming to terms with how lucky everyone was for the city to have a cooler atmosphere. 

    On the outskirts, however, was a very different story. With miles of dirt and sand replacing what would normally be grassland and trees, the inkling was reminded that they did, in fact, move to a city in the middle of the desert. How infuriating… 

    Despite being cold-blooded, the inkling found themself a lot more tolerable to that of cold weather, as opposed to the scorching heat that most others of their species often welcome. Yet they still chose to walk from the comfort of their house out into the desert, looking for zapfish knows what. 

    Alyx watched the dry dust kick up from the back of their feet as they approached the radius of their journey, and the silence of their surroundings proved overwhelming compared to the usual bustling cityscape. But in actuality, they couldn’t be much more content with the silence. They took a deep breath, lifted each hand up to their corresponding ears, and carefully removed the small, circular pieces that securely plugged the openings to their canals. A natural relaxation overcame them -shoulders sagging and face lifting into a light smile. The air felt cool against the bare cartilage and they unhinged their jaw a few times to loosen each muscle. If there was one thing they were grateful for in the desert, it was the silence. The world was always so loud. 

    Upon considering whether it was time to start walking back to the city, they were stopped by a gentle chirping noise some distance away. Now, if the inkling didn’t know any better, they would’ve guessed the source would have been some small wild animal. A stray bird, perhaps. 

    It soon became clearer; closer. Accompanied by the jittering of a small shuffle. A little body against dirt. 

    Alyx turned on their heel and brought their attention to the ground, where a little smallfry of a salmonid was barreling toward their ankles.

    That’s… strange. Why was it not in a school? And in the middle of the desert, for that matter?

    The little creature rammed full force into the inkling’s feet without warning. However, it harmlessly ricocheted back to the sand, much to Alyx’s amusement. They huffed out a laugh and knelt down to get a better look at the poor thing, raising an eyebrow in question. “Cheeky little thing, aren’t ya?” They gently picked the salmonid up and sat him upright. In response, he bounced fervently up and down in an almost-distressed manner. He then bolted off a few feet away in the direction he came from, only to stop, look back, and bounce once more while chirping

    Alyx cocked their head, finding great interest in his intentions. They bit their lip, deciphering what exactly he wanted them to do. “You really want me t’ follow you?” They asked while taking a few steps forward. Not to their surprise, the Salmonid then moved a couple of feet further back and continued to hop and chirp. Yep… I’m really following a pea-brained fish.  

    It didn’t take more than a light jog to keep up with the little thing. His small body exerted a lot of energy for his size; but it was considerably slow for the giant inkling. While watching him, Alyx came to the realization that he actually was in distress. His sporadic movements elicited fear that was a clear indicator of someone needing help—not him. That was enough for Alyx to run ahead of him and over a small lip in the sand in mild alarm. 

    There, a couple yards away, lay the body of a motionless girl. From where they were, Alyx couldn’t make out if she was breathing. 

    They were quick to run to her, kneeling down when at her side. “Oi! Can you hear me?” They shook her shoulder in an attempt to find a response. With said attempt done in vain, they carefully rolled her over onto her back and spread both of her arms out. Then, they unwrapped their jacket from their waste, folded it, and placed it under her head against the hot sand. From there, Alyx would be able to assess her condition:

    She was in fact breathing, but each rise and fall of her chest was strained and short-lived; just enough for her to emit a soft wheeze. Her tan skin was pale and, concerningly, not gleaming in sweat. She was covered in dirt and sand; clothes partially shredded and fringed with burn markings. 

    “Shit, kid… What the hell did you do to get like this?” 

    Her face contorted in discomfort and her ears folded flat against the side of her head. She attempted to move her arms, to no avail. The small salmonid, who had now caught up to the inkling, was desperately hopping on top of her chest. He moved to her right ear and did his best to cover it with his tiny fins.

    Alyx squinted, processing for a few moments. They slipped a hand up to her head and tilted it to the side. Her ears were obviously experiencing some sort of overstimulation. Seeing no blood coming out from the inside of her ear, however, reassured Alyx that she did not suffer from noise-induced hearing loss. But, that didn’t stop them from instinctively doing whatever they could to keep the sound out. 

    Alyx recognized this action. In fact, it was an action they were quite used to—tempted by an immense hypersensitivity to noise. They could only assume this girl had a form of hyperacusis. 

    They waved the little fish away from the girl’s head, to which he reluctantly agreed, and returned to her chest. 

    From there, the inkling removed their set of earplugs from around their neck and carefully maneuvered them around the girl instead. Once in her ears, however still squirming, the attempts at protecting her head subsided. The smallfry turned to look up at the older inkling and, through his crossed eyes, they could sense the confusion and worry. 

     Fuck… can’t just leave the girl out here… damn it, Alyx. Why do you always have to get yourself into these weird-ass situations?

    Alyx bit their lip, separating their gaze from the girl to take a long look at the surrounding area. It didn’t look like anyone else was coming for her… what to do, what to do?

They paced for a few moments, the salmonid hopping back and forth below. 

    After a while, the inkling stopped, looked down at the girl, and sighed. “Bandit is not going to be happy about this.” 

    They bent down and carefully scooped up the girl. Her height surprised them, and they struggled to adjust as comfortably as possible for the both of them. It was a long way back to their home in the city. Shit, they’re gonna look like a lunatic… Whatever. Doesn’t matter. This girl needs help.

    The smallfry jumped up and down in overstimulation and was quick to scuttle behind them as they turned back to the city and began walking. “You better count your lucky stars, kid. It’s not every day I’m in the mood to do this shit.” 

    They could tell they were going to struggle with her weight soon enough. And in this blistering heat? Yeah, they had no choice but to get back as soon as possible. So, the trek back began. Alyx couldn’t help but overthink every hypothetical situation they could fathom in regards to their arrival back home. 

    “You best be alone. I don’t want a whole-ass army at my doorstep tomorrow morning.” They sighed once more and continued, hoping for the best outcome possible, and that they weren’t too late.

Sage slowly woke, feeling a bit… comfy? Her bed wasn't comfy before… Her bed wasn’t even a bed. Just some blankets and old rags. The air, the smell… Where… I didn't make it home. 

The young inkling immediately stood up and looked around, seeing gray walls and furniture. A doorway was what she locked onto and her plan was to immediately run away from whatever this place was. She needs to find her salmonid friend too- Sage began to stand and walk forward as an inkling walked in with a tray.

Sage tensed seeing them and backed away, looking over the stranger. Short, Female. Not very strong, it seems. Probably a normal inkling and has no special skills. Some scars. Her hands have seen a weapon. Dressing not of a high status. Service person in the city, maybe? 

The stranger was communicating with her, but she didn't understand. She can't trust them, they are getting closer. Not good. Sage made her tentacles move more defensively, turning purple with yellow ripples and a darker purple on the tips. Maroonish hollow circles started to surface as well.

If I scratch her arm I can easily get out. The blue inkling placed the tray down and made a move to touch her, saying something again; calling someone.

Sage immediately took the chance, clawing her on the outside of the hand and using her other hand to lick the venom onto it. The stranger barely had time to react—clearly not used to being attacked like this—as she smeared the venom on the fresh wound. 

They yelped, a few tense seconds passing as they looked up and down at their minor scratch and the one who did it. Sage froze, panicked that it didn't work for a moment. Then, the blue inkling seized up and fell to the floor with a thud. Sage felt like she could breathe again as she bolted out of the room. But once again, ran into someone else. They were holding Lil’ Buddy. A rage bubbled inside her as protective instincts immediately made her lash out. 

The other stranger had good instincts compared to the other inkling. They dodged away, moving behind Sage. From her peripherals, two fingers pressed on the side of her neck. Then nothing.

Her body felt heavy as the feeling of being dizzy washed over her, slowly opening her eyes. She blankly looked ahead of her, seeing the two inklings from before sitting in front of her. 

Wait… She sat up, aiming to attack and run again but found her arms restrained together behind her. She felt the feeling of rope on her wrist. Shit.

“Who are you? Why am I here? What did you do to Lil' Buddy?” Sage yelled in her native tongue, looking her captures up and down. Now that Sage got a good look at the other one, she understood why she got so quickly upper-handed. Short, but taller than the other inkling, Good build. Scars everywhere. Fight experience. Alpha. Damn.

The Alpha one started to speak to her in an aggressive way. That made her mad and started to struggle again. She knew the whites of her eyes were green at this point.

Through their aggressive, confusing argument, the blue inkling took the Alpha one's hand. Sage continued to scream at them to let her go but then Lil’ Buddy jumped into her lap. She froze, then he jumped off and onto the Alpha one’s lap. 

“Buddy, no- they are dangerous, don’t-” The Alpha lifted a hand “No! Don't touch him- He is all I have, I-” Then, Alpha pet him, scratching under his fin. What…

He chirped and jumped over to the blue inkling. She seemed to have tensed, but Lil’ Buddy moved her hand to rest on his head.

He is… Trying to tell me they're friendly. No- they kidnapped me! They…

Sage furrowed her brows in angry confusion, then saw the bandages on her body. She was clothed in a crop top and sweatpants. 

Why… Why am I cared for? What is this?

She made her ears move downwards and felt something plugged into them. Then she realized what had happened: She collapsed from her overwhelmed hearing and malnutrition. Whatever these ear things were… it didn’t hurt. Her ears always hurt or bug her but it’s... Peaceful. 

Her eyes started to water, Lil’ Buddy jumping away from the blue inkling to be on Sage's shoulder. He rubbed his face against her cheek and she leaned into it. She was a bit embarrassed of showing weakness to strangers but she couldn’t help it.

She glanced at the strangers… They were both looking at her.

“Sorry. Sorry, I troubled you.” She bowed her head down in defeat. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she slowly raised her head. The blue inkling gave a smile, nodding at Alpha. 

Alpha stood and untied the ropes as the blue one tried to communicate. She pointed to herself, saying the word ‘Bandit.’ That is her name…

Once her hands were free, she pointed at herself. “Sage.”

Bandit smiles and points to the Alpha. “Alyx.”

Sage nodded, looking at Bandit's hand, which was now bandaged. She felt a bit guilty now.

I should leave... Don’t belong here. I need to find food and water before I collapse again... This isn’t good. Sage stood and then walked off for the exit. However, Alyx grabbed her hand. 

They said the word “stay”, and pointed down to the floor.

The young inkling shook her head in protest but Alyx tightened her grip. They used their other hand to motion eating.

They were right. She was hungry but still didn’t want to bother. It seemed they didn't take no for an answer, and they led her down the stairs with Bandit following. The two were talking to each other.

Sage sighed, seeing Lil’ Buddy follow behind.

Eating felt so good right now. She hasn’t in two days, really... or maybe four? That is probably factored into taking longer to scavenge for food. It was her own fault though. She stalled to get resources. And the people around here are getting harder to steal from without consequences.

She was eating some kind of lunch food. It had two layers of soft… something. With a slice of meat and something else between it. The two inklings just looked on in a bit of confusion, along with something else. She didn't know, reading people is hard. Nor did she care. She took a bite and perked up at the taste. She definitely tasted meat. She hummed in delight as she got another one from Bandit. 

Once she finished eating whatever that was, she was promptly given water by Alyx, which she downed immediately. She looked at the two again and rested her head on the table in thanks, then she just kind of stayed down. Come on body, I need to get out of here…

Maybe eating like that wasn't a good idea, her stomach was starting to hurt. She sensed that Bandit was trying to coax her to sit up. She really didn't feel like it. But Alyx made it happen and carried her back up the stairs despite her height. Sage tried to squirm but it did nothing. Her movements were a bit sluggish. Actually… this felt familiar… 

Alyx sat her down in the room she first woke up in. Bandit came in behind with some kind of mat with a wire. Sage tensed again as she plugged it in and was going to place it on her. She felt her tentacles change and the venom swirling in her mouth. Bandit immediately stopped and turned to talk to Alyx. They exchanged a conversation as Sage calmed her venom. 

Alyx took the mat and made eye contact with her, putting it on their tummy. Sage didn’t understand why they wanted it there. Lil’ Buddy jumped up on the bed and placed himself in her hand. She looked at him, then the other two again.

She lifted her hand, pointing to the mat. “Hurts?”

The two didn't know what that meant. Figures... They haven't done anything but help though… Sage wiggled her fingers, signaling to give it to her. Alyx held it out and Sage took it. It was. Soft. And warm? She was immediately confused but put it on her belly like Alyx did. It felt. Nice. 

Her eyes relaxed and her tentacles moved up and down beside her. It has been years since she relaxed. She looked over to the two again. Bandit was smiling at her and Alyx was just standing there. Sage didn’t know what was on their mind. She didn't know social cues very well, apart from the usual store keepers she stole from being angry. Her tummy settled a bit more and Alyx got her attention by pointing to Sage, then their own ears.

The ear things were still there. A bit of nervousness overtook her. Her ears were still recovering. Sage gulped as Lil’ Buddy moved away to her side. She raised her hands to her pointy ears, feeling them before touching what was in her ears. The noise from taking them off made her flinch, but she slowly took them out. 

The sound of a light buzzing filled her ears as she flinched at the noise. She manages though, she has been through worse. She held them out as Alyx took them and walked out of the room, leaving her with Bandit and Lil’ Buddy. The older inkling took out her phone and then tapped on it. She held it for her to see, reading ‘Translator’ on the top. There was a list of languages could be seen. Sage understood what she wanted. Bandit slowly scrolled until she saw her language, pointing to ‘Swahili.’

Bandit nodded and selected it, then tapped on it a lot, and showed it to her after. It translated to “Where are your parents? Are you lost?” Her ears lowered as Alyx came back in. They held out a different pair of ear things. She hesitantly took them and put them on. The buzzing vanished. She sighed in relief.

Sage pointed at the phone. Bandit clicked something and gave it to her.

She didn’t want to tell them everything. Sage looked at the keyboard, seeing her familiar letters. She touched it and that letter showed up. Ah.. so it’s like writing.. but no physical writing. Tapping. “No parents. Surviving.”

Bandit gave Sage a look, then took the phone and tapped something else.

“Are you homeless?” She wrote.

Sage stared at that, then nodded her head in defeat. Bandit and Alyx turned to each other, having another conversation. It almost looked like an argument. It ended with Bandit sighing, letting Alyx take the phone.

“You are staying with us. No kid should live out there alone.”

Sage really wanted to argue but... the look Alyx was giving her… second thoughts. Truthfully she was scared of Alyx and their authority of wherever this place is. Bandit seemed to notice and tapped Alyx on the shoulder. Alyx softens their look to something neutral. Then they typed again.

“You need a shower. Follow me.”

Sage didn’t know what a "shower" was but they didn’t say anything.

Bandit helped her get ready for this shower. She was given clothes and a towel. Bandit said she needed to take her ear things out. That made her nervous. Once Bandit turned the shower on, the rippling sound of water hitting the tub made her head spin. The buzzing was loud again. It hurt. It hurt. It hurts IT HURTS!

Her breath felt fast. Her body felt weak. She closed her eyes and covered her ears, grunting as the overwhelming sound continued. She started to panic.

Until the shower stopped and she felt her hands being pushed aside. Her brain switched to survival mode, thinking it was an attack. She bites something, an arm. Just as Sage felt the venom coming up her throat, she got pushed away and fell on the floor. She snapped her eyes open, the buzzing still in her ears as she stared at Alyx. 

Wait… Her eyes shifted down to see her teeth markings on their arm. I attacked Alpha... 

She heard something like a curse come from the inkling's mouth, as well as Bandit appearing and fretting over the puncture wounds on their arm. 

Sage backed away, ears still ringing, along with her hearts beating fast with her panicked breathing. She curled up in the corner, covering her ears. Come on stupid hearing- stop it!

Sage wasn’t left alone for another second as the panicked inkling lifted her head up at Alyx. They asked her a question. She didn’t understand, until their hands were close to her face. Sage flinches backward, still cornered. Alyx paused. Showing Sage that they have the earplugs again. They just want to put them on..?

Sage pauses, trying to calm her instincts down. She closed her eyes and rested her forehead on her knees. She heard moments as Alyx continued putting them on. Once they were in, everything was quiet apart from her own beating hearts in her chest. 

She didn’t dare look up. She felt ashamed. She didn’t understand why these people hadn't thrown her out yet. Being here didn’t feel right. She didn’t belong anywhere apart from her tribe but… they were all gone now. 

She thinks back to returning to her camp to see it destroyed. The fallen bodies on the sand. Not just her enemies, her own people. Sage was snapped back to reality as Lil’ Buddy hopped in her lap, chirping and rubbing his face onto her cheek. She didn’t realize she was crying.

The young inkling curled around him, hugging him close as she stared down at the floor. She heard the other two talk but again, didn’t understand it.

A few minutes go by and the first to approach is Bandit. She was holding her hand out, silently asking for her to take it. I probably look pathetic right now… Sage slowly uncurled herself so Lil’ Buddy was sitting in her left hand. She reached with her right hand and took the other inkling's hand.

Bandit gives a little smile and pulls her up.

After that incident, the two wanted her to take a bath now. She was familiar with baths. Sage waited outside the bathroom, hearing rushing water for a few minutes. Bandit was explaining with the translator what a bath is and pointed out bottles that do certain things. Why do you need separate cleaning supplies for your hair and body? Sage usually just soaks herself in water for a good while and calls herself clean.

She heard the water stop and Alyx exit. She gestured for her ears again, she didn’t wanna take them off but the water was off so...

With shaky hands, she takes them off and hands them to Alyx. Bandit then asks one more thing through the translator

“Would you like one of us to help clean you? You do have to be naked for this type of thing.”

Sage proceeded the question. She didn’t particularly mind being naked around people. She had plenty of times when she was younger bathing with others. 

She looked at Lil’ Buddy chilling in her arms. She then looked at Bandit. Then Alyx. Then back to Bandit. 

Sage nodded her head. Bandit smiles almost nervously, gesturing to the bathroom. Lil’ Buddy hops in the bath as Sage undresses, seeing Bandit turn around as she does so. Once she slides into the bath, warmth soothingly overtook her. She hummed and sank her whole body, stopping at her mouth. She closed her eyes, relaxing. It was a rare thing to feel.

She heard Bandit talk with Alyx on the other side of the door, though the door was cracked so she didn’t actually see Alyx. 

With a big sigh, Bandit turned, puffing her chest out, and let out a breath. What is she doing? Does this make her uncomfortable…?

Lil’ Buddy swam around in circles as Bandit got on her knees and set the bottles down. Bandit didn’t make eye contact with Sage as she started to assist her in cleaning her hair first. It felt extremely nice, even if her braids were let loose. It was like having a nice massage on your scalp. She felt her tentacles sway against the water, letting the older inkling work.

Once that was done, Bandit stood up and motioned for her to stand. Are we done…? I kind of wanna lay there...

She reluctantly stood and Bandit was really staring at the wall next to her. She pointed to the bottle, opened it, and demonstrated areas like her armpits, chest, stomach, and then a place she didn’t expect.

Sage knitted her eyebrows, a bit confused. She waved at the area Bandit was staring holes at. Bandit very hesitantly looks at her eyes and only her eyes. Sage looked at her questioningly. 

“Why do I need to clean there?” Sage asked as she pointed downwards.

Bandit blushed, she understood what she questioned even though she didn’t know her language. She nodded. “It’s uh. Important for females to.. clean down there.” 

She didn’t know what that meant, obviously, but Sage took the bottle anyway and put some of it in her hand. She then rubbed it on the places Bandit showed. Once she was done, Bandit went on her knees, motioned to sit back down, and rubbed the same areas. Again? Okay…

She never cleaned herself like this before. She wondered if she was stinky her whole life. Now that she thought about it, it made sense… 

Lil’ Buddy hops on the water's surface. Sage smiled, then she took off his little green clothes and cleaned him with the same stuff she used on herself. He seemed to like it as she put him back in and rubbed him clean, putting his clothes on afterward.

Sage heard Bandit giggle, catching her attention. She pointed to the hair stuff again.

Sage nodded immediately. She loves the cleaning hair part. The young inking even leaned closer this time.

With this bath out of the way, she feels ten times better in her own skin, who knew cleaning oneself can make you feel good? Guess she wasn’t cleaning herself right this whole time.

Alyx helped with the drying off and gave her new clothes—baggy clothes: a hoodie with shorts. It was more of a cropped hoodie with how tall her torso was.

They set her down to eat again. Bandit went off somewhere to get the food. It was called “pasta.”

She observed how the two caretakers before she ate. Nodding to herself, she picked up the pasta with a “fork”, twirling it, and put the flat-looking pasta with white sauce in her mouth.

Man, she was missing out on a lot.

Chapter Text

It’s been a handful of months. Sage felt more comfortable in the place she finds herself in, along with the couple who taught her Inkish. This reduced the language barrier as they now understood what each other said. It was nice. No one understood Sage apart from her tribe and Lil’ Buddy. Well, he more or less has a sense for things.

It wasn’t perfect, however. They kind of sheltered her at first. She wasn’t allowed to leave the house without someone next to her. Luckily, Sage was interested in ink weapons. She wanted to play in Turf Wars soon, but she needed to understand her weapon. Alyx said her weapons were limited at a beginner’s level, but she wanted to try her hand at the Tri-Stringer as soon as possible. Bow and arrows are something known like the back of her hand. But she was stuck with the Splattershot Jr.

Patience is a virtue. So she didn’t rush it. Much. She hates being cooped up. 

She had a better understanding of her caretakers, too; Alyx is a very active squid. It seems they don’t stop until they have to sleep or if Bandit forces them to. They were kind of like herself, but older. Sage knew they had secrets. She has been wondering what that teal ink scar on their arm was about. Neither Alyx nor Bandit explained. Alyx was super stern and protective, too. Sometimes it was a bit scary. It made Sage a bit tense around them. They always seemed to know what Sage was thinking or knew if something was wrong.

On the other hand, there was Bandit. She is very anxious but very kind and motherly. Not the best at understanding things, but she tries her best. Her emotions are out in the open and she is home the most. She gives her support and comfort and Sage finds herself trusting her more than Alyx. Bandit is more familiar; and more predictable. She doesn’t get mad easily but she sure can stress easily. 

She knows that by some of the disputes herself and Alyx have had.

It doesn't matter, though. She is so close to trying her first turf war. She watched her caretakers fight on TV as she stayed with a shoptender named Sheldon. Alyx recommended here based on her growing interest in engineering. Sheldon was very knowledgeable, too—helping out with whatever Sage got stuck on. The only thing is he talks way too much and he just name-drops things without really stopping to explain what the thing in question is. Plus his uneasiness with a salmonid was off-putting.

But anyways, as she watched her caregivers on TV, she was studying their moves while putting the splattershot back together. She knew how it worked, now. Well, mostly. She didn’t know this much technology existed. Sage asked Sheldon about it and he happily supplied that information, grabbing spare parts and pointing out things.

This side of the desert is very fortunate… Her way of growing up was so much different from the population living here. She lived traditionally with blades, shields, bows, spears, crossbows- you name it. But here, these ink weapons were like guns. The crab clan used guns…though they had low quantities.  That doesn't make it any less effective. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach, dropping the parts and backing away from them.

Her breath was getting quick, the sounds of the fight pounding into her frontal lobe. They are all dead. And you are alive. 

“Miss Sage? Are you alright?” Sage turned her head over to Sheldon. She calmed her quick breaths and stood up straight, nodding her head. 

“Hm… if you are sure. Your guardians are almost done with their matches.” 

Sage nodded again and turned around, making her way to the bathroom. Sheldon watched her as she went, pulling out something from his pocket.

Sage closed the door, though Lil’ Buddy seemed to have slipped in without her noticing. She sat on the toilet seat and held her face with her hands, letting out a frustrated groan.

If only I was strong enough—brave enough. They would be alive. Lil’ Buddy hopped up on her shoulder, rubbing his face on her cheek to give comfort. She felt tears in her eyes. Dang it! She immediately started to wipe them away aggressively but they kept coming as the mental images of a burbt-to-the-ground camp and dead bodies flashed through her head. 

She went back a few days after the attack; she shouldn’t have. Now they haunt her mind. A kid shouldn’t have to see her own people dead in the sand. At least she didn’t see her fathers… but she knew if she looked hard enough, their bodies would be there, too-

Lil’ Buddy chirped and moved his fins to pat her cheeks.

“S-Stop it..” She let out and moved him away to rest on the ground. He came back to where he was.

“Buddy, stop it!” She moved him away again, albeit a bit aggressively. She heard him whimpering and whining.

“Do not. I didn’t mean to hurt you- I just. Can’t, okay?” She couldn’t help the sob leave her mouth at the end. I hurt him. I hurt him. He is trying to help- why am I pushing him away? 

Sage shrank into herself more as Lil’ Buddy whimpered, going over to the door and calling out. 

It seemed to get Sheldon’s attention. “Miss Sage? What is going on in there?” He questioned through the door.

Sage immediately tried to compose herself. “Fine-Fine. No worries.” Her voice sounded horrible after sobbing.

“It doesn’t sound fine… I’m gonna open the-“

Before he finished his sentence, the bell on the front door rang. “Hm. Okay. Sage, if you're not out here soon, I’m coming in and-“

“Sheldon! Hey, it’s us! Where are you guys?” The voice of Alyx sounded downstairs.

Shit. Shit! Sage quickly tried to compose herself.

“Oh! Over here! Miss Sage is-“

Sage opened the door, leaning down and put a finger over his mouth. “No say what has happen, right?” She whispers in her broken Inkish, thick with her accent.

Sheldon nodded in a bit of fear and Sage backed off.

“Sheldon? Is everything-“ Bandit and Alyx both rushed over to see Sage bending down and grabbing all the parts and half-complete Splattershot.

Sage looked up at them and stood back up. “Going?”

“Uh.. Yeah?” Bandit questioned. Sage watched Alyx look around and saw Sheldon nervously tapping his fingers together and Lil’ Buddy making his way over to Alyx.

He hopped into their hands and he made noises and pointed his fins at Sage. 

Traitor…

Sage watched as Alyx cocked their eyebrow at her, giving that look again. 

“Uh. Hey, let’s get home first, yeah?” Bandit nervously said as she pulled the sleeves of both Alyx and Sage. 

Alyx backed off and nodded, still holding Lil’ Buddy. Sage sighed and followed behind, though turning back to Sheldon. “Thank for housing.” He still seemed flustered and watched them go.

As soon as they made it home, Alyx broke the ice. “Sage, did something happen?”

Sage grunted. “None of knowing.”

Sage continued up the stairs to set her stuff down in the living room, but Alyx grabbed her hand, which stopped her. 

“I know something happened—your body language.” Sage's anger turned to shock, then annoyance.

“I fine. Stop.” Sage pulled her hand away and continued up the stairs. It almost seemed Alyx was gonna follow but she heard Bandit whisper something to Alyx. 

She made it upstairs and sat down, placing her bag of parts down, staring at them. Do I want this? Do I wield a weapon my tribe was killed by…?

She heard a chirp as Lil’ Buddy went up to her, rubbing his beak against her leg.

Sage sighed, “ Apologies for my behavior… I didn’t mean to hurt you…” Lil’ Buddy chirped and allowed Sage to pick him up, nuzzling their noses together. “ Thank you for trying to comfort me, too. Just. It’s hard…” He gave a little whimper in understanding.

Sage stood. “Let us rest… long day…”

She made her way to her room. She heard the couple talking downstairs.

“Relax a bit, Alyx… I know you’re concerned, but yelling will just set you both off.”

“Mm… It’s hard to. She doesn’t tell us anything; about why she even ended up half dead in the desert.” Sage’s ears lowered, but rose as Bandit spoke.

“It was a big shock you found her, I know. But you know if she ended up like that, there might be trauma… You understand those struggles.”

Sage's eyes widened. Alpha… Alpha saved me?

“… Yes.. yeah… you're right. Can we just… go to bed, please?” Sage heard the familiar stoicness turn to something more vulnerable.

“Yeah, of course, babes…” There was a shuffle. “Let’s go…”

Sage quickly went into her room, closing the door.

… And what is “trauma”..?

For the next few weeks, Sage hasn’t touched the splattershot. It seemed her guardians noticed. “Hey uh, Sage?” Bandit called in the kitchen. They were making something called “muffins.”

“Mm?” Sage hummed while mixing the batter.

“I have noticed that you stopped working on that splattershot. Are you still up for turfing?” Sage stopped mixing and stared down at the counter. What should I say?

A long pause passed between them, Sage struggling to find an excuse and the words. “You don’t have to tell me why. Just say yes or no to turf.”

Oh, thank cod. “No.”

“Alright… I won’t push, but if something is wrong, we can fix it together, alright?”

Sage nodded and continued to mix. It was good shoulder work.

Chapter Text

Another month passed. Sage never felt this restless. Everything needed to survive was supplied to her. She was eating, hydrated, and bathed. Her inkish was almost normal. She had too much free time. And she hated it. She would constantly look over to the Splattershot Jr. then quickly look away.

She is more snappy with her caregivers, too. A lot of times, Sage and Alyx would still argue. Bandit would try to keep the peace, but it seems she, too, was losing patience. 

One day, Bandit offered to enroll her in ‘school’—whatever that means. Sage knows it’s something that wastes the void of time, so she said yes. She didn’t expect what was to come next.

“Sage?” The one in question opened her eyes. She was currently upside-down on the couch. Her back rested on the cushion while her head hung off where her legs would normally be, and her legs resting where her back should be. Lil’ Buddy was resting on her chest, but instantly chirped and jumped off to start climbing the incoming inkling’s legs. It was Alyx.

Sage sighed and sat up normally. “Yes?” She could hear Bandit come up the steps close behind.

“I…” Alyx started, Bandit joined her partner, giving a smile and nod. “We have made the decision to get you enrolled in high school classes, which means you're going to school.”

Sage raised an eyebrow. “We know keeping you here has made you restless, so every Monday through Friday at 7:40am- 2:50 pm, you will be at school.”

Hm. Manageable.

Alyx cleared their throat almost nervously. “We had to do something to get you enrolled,” They pulled out papers and two cards. Sage took them.

“You weren’t exactly a citizen before, so we got that situated. That is your ID, or identification, giving you citizenship. The other card is your student ID.”

Sage looked down at them both. Bandit spoke up next. “We kind of had to make some stuff up- hope that is okay, heh. But it’s just your birthday and stuff.”

“What is a birthday?” Sage found herself asking. She remembers vaguely what it is.

Bandit looked almost sad at that question. 

“A birthday is the day you were born; every year you get 1 year older.” Alyx answered.

Bandit nodded. “Yeah! And people here usually celebrate it with friends and desserts.”

“Like a celebration of life…?”

Alyx and Bandit nodded. “Yeah,” Bandit chirped. “It was like- the end of June when Alyx found you, so, June 26th is your made-up birthday! Mine is the same month, actually.”

Sage nodded, watching Lil’ Buddy crawl up her leg.

“The other papers are uh… adoption papers.” Alyx butted in, fidgeting with the collar of their shirt.”

Sage looked at the other papers, Lil’ Buddy looked down at them, too. “Adoption…?” What does.. that mean..?

Bandit smiled at her, nudging Alyx to explain. “It’s where, if a kid doesn’t have a family—or home really—It takes them under your custody. Or care. So you are our… our daughter, but not blood related.”

Sage looked back down at the papers again, processing. I am- I am their kid? Like my dads… They are my…

“We didn’t want you living homeless. We don’t even know what happened to your birth parents or home. And we guessed it is a tough thing to explain... We wanted you to know that whatever happens, we will be your parents to stand in. However long you need it.” Bandit took Alyx’s hand as she said that, giving the hand a kiss.

Alyx partly ignored it and nodded. “You’re officially family. You are a Noelle-SinClair, now.”

Sage froze in place. Memories of the fire—the aftermath. Then living by herself in a makeshift tent. She ate the sandy dry grass in the Splatlands at first. She accidentally went to the salmonid grounds and almost got destroyed by them. But she found an outsider small fry and they became outsiders together. Then they just stole from Splatsville all she could for years. Living on a thread. She hasn’t felt painfully hungry or thirsty since being here.

She didn’t realize she stood there, tears falling but not making a sound. Maybe all that time alone really got to her and she missed adults’ company. An adult's touch and guidance. Maybe that is why.

It’s been another month. School has been going steady, but the struggle of social cues and rules has been difficult. Why do you need to ask to go to the bathroom? Dumb rule, I say… She hasn’t exactly made any friends, either, which worries her now-parents. Something about the social aspect is healthy and to have connections in the future. She survived so long by herself. She doesn’t need companionship apart from Lil’ Buddy and her parents. 

However, with time, she has grown interested in trying turf again. She completed assembling the Splattershot Jr. in the little free time she had. Luckily, November break was next week and her parents promised to get her a Turf ID and to try some rounds for her first time. 

She looked through logs of all the possible weapons she might face against; What makes them strong and weak. It seemed that snipers and splatlings would be a challenge. And they looked like they hurt. Plus the various subs and specials. Everything here just has to be so extra; more than what Sage could understand.

But one weapon she is interested in getting was the Tri-Stinger. She wielded a lot of bows in her childhood, and if it worked in a similar way, then it’s bound to be something she can stick with. Plus, she considers herself a “backline” as Alyx would say. They are one as well, while Bandit plays middle and front line. 

Sage shook out of her thoughts, continuing an Inkish assignment. 

Sage looked around quietly as Bandit talked with a front desk lady. It was the day she was going to get a turf ID. Lil’ Buddy was bouncing in her hands. “Alright. I need to get a picture and birth certificate information to print on her card, along with a direct account to transfer winnings.”

“Right! Here you are.” Bandit handed over the papers and the lady turned to her computer to start typing away. “Hey, Sage? Stand over here so she can get a picture. I’ll hold Buddy for you.” Bandit smiled, holding her hands out.

Sage looked down at him, anxious to let him go. She gave in, though. Sage walked over to the x on the floor and waited. 

The lady looked up. “Alright, sweetie, give your best face! I’ll start a count.”

Sage nodded. Standing still and giving a half smile.

Once that was done, she supplied her with newbie gear, and lead her to the trial course. “Once you have completed this, I’ll be able to print out your card for you!” Sage only nodded, making sure Bandit and Lil’ Buddy were still behind her.

They made it to the entrance. “Alright, honey. Just go through those doors. The ink tank will link up instantly. Just read the signs and you will be done as soon as you know it!” She smiled and walked back to her desk. 

Sage looked back at her mom and Buddy. “Can I have Buddy?”

Bandit blinked. “Oh, uh. You have to do this by yourself.” Sage furrowed her eyebrows and looked away mumbling to herself. That's a dumb rule. She steeled herself and went in.

Over the next few hours, Sage has been validated with her Turf ID. The weapons she had to play with was the same Splattershot she was tinkering and trying to understand how it works for months on end. However, that wasn’t the least of her worries. The opponents she would be against were completely random. It left so many variables of how the match would end. And Sage is very conscious of this. 

And to add onto that, she had to leave Lil’ Buddy behind.

Next, Alyx met up with them, along with a familiar face. Sage knew who they were and she felt a bit excited to finally meet Sky, The leader of Team Queer.

“Hey there, kid. I hear it’s yer’ first time. Thought I might be yer’ fourth.” They smiled with their trademark toothpick in the side of their mouth and country-like accent.

Sage nodded shyly. Sky is taller than I expected.. So cool…

“Alright! Let's get this show on the road!” Bandit cheered as she took Sage’s hand and led her to the lobby with the two other inklings following close behind.

Before she knew it, they all got teleported to the battle location. The feeling was new, to say the least. The round quickly counted down as they all came out the other end of their floating spawns. Sage stumbles a bit, but leans upright for balance. Oh shit, I hate heights-

Before she started to freak out, the spawner launched her on the Manta Marina grounds. She felt her muscle memory take her forwards and halt as her now-teammates run forwards. Alyx and Bandit both looked back and gave her a thumbs up and smile. Sage remembered that Alyx told her to paint base first to build the special, and to mentally prepare to fight the opposing team. So, she started to paint and slowly went to the middle. She watched as Sky sniped one after another with their E-liter and shouted out warnings to Bandit, who was already going to the other team's base with her Dualie Squelchers. Alyx stayed around Sky as they painted the middle and backed up Sky with their Splat Roller. 

Coincidentally, the Tri-Stringer user splats Bandit and makes way to Sage's right side towards the middle with a Sploosh behind them. Okay- game face. Sage activated her bubble since she was at a disadvantage with the stringer’s range, giving pressure just enough to get close. Sage managed to splat them with her bubble breaking right thereafter. She felt the enemy ink sting her back as the Sploosh ran for her. Luckily, Sage dodged and used her slight range advantage to splat them as well.

“Nice, kid! You can handle yer’self.” Sky shouted over to her. Sage nodded shyly and painted more with Bandit coming in for a push in the enemy base once again.

“Let’s push up together, Sage!” She smiled and placed down her wave breaker, shouting back behind them. “Alyx, back us!” 

“Yup!” Was their distant response as Sage painted the beginnings of the enemy base. Bandit dodge-rolled and splatted someone coming from the left side. Dualie Squelchers have a punch. The range helps. Sage pushed forwards as Alyx popped up on the right end. By this point, the other team was completely overwhelmed as Sky was close behind, picking them off before they could land a hit on any of them, or the possibility of someone breaking through and inking their base.

The rush felt incredible to Sage. She doesn't know why she was ever scared of ink weapons. This was fun.

The end of the round concludes with a nice 66.3 to 26.5. Sage kind of felt bad for the other team, seeing as it was against ¾ of Team Queer.

“Great job Sage! Once you get in the rhythm, you can get into anarchy battles and unlock other weapons.” Bandit gave a thumbs up, the other hand holding Alyx’s.

“You have your eye on a weapon?” Alyx asked.

Sage looked down and nodded. “The bow…”

“Good taste. I love that weapon.” Alyx hums in content.

Sky nudged Alyx’s shoulder playfully. “Yeah seeing as this is your kid, now.” Sky looked over to Sage, making her blush. “If ya ‘ever need some range shooting train’n, I’ll be around.”

“Okay- uh- Thank.” Sage responded.

“Mm.” Sky turned to the couple and leaned into both their ears. Whatever they said, they both looked concerned. “Alright. Take care guys!” Sky turned and performed their signature back faced wave.

Sage watched them go as her moms whispered about something, then turned back to Sage. “So, what’s next?” Bandit asked.

Sage thought for a moment. The day was still young. “More battles. But only me.”

Chapter Text

Sage has been busy with both school and her grind of Ink battles. She got her Tri-Stringer the day she tried turf–her parents were sure impressed.

It has been a month now. She is level 24, rank A+. Her grind started to slow down as school swamped her with more work, saying as she is now fluent in the Inkling language.

All this work made her head spin as both of her guardians tried to help with tests and assignments. She was looking forward to the school break in the early fall.

Finally… School was finally out for the late fall. Now Sage can focus on getting in more ink battles. Every day from then on, she studies a weapon she bought and takes it apart just to build it again; she needs every bit of information. 

However, it seems that other things were afoot. Sage noticed that Alyx and Bandit have been getting increasingly worried. She didn’t know why. Sky would often come by for a bit and talk with them, then they would come upstairs to say hi to Sage. It was nice of them. The past week, the young inkling took Sky’s charger lessons up and it was an experience.

One time when Sky was leaving, Sage finally overheard why her guardians were so anxious. “Still nothin’ from Clover…?” Sky questioned in a quiet voice.

“No… it is starting to stress me out.. What if she is squidnapped…” Bandit said, like she was holding back tears.

“I’m starting to think so, too… should we call in a missing persons?” Alyx added in, followed by a whisper of comfort to Bandit.

“Mm… Clover can handle ‘emself well on ‘er own… it’s been 3 weeks.. maybe she needs time er’ somethin’?” Sage felt dread. She never met Clover, but she seemed cool. Like a more-hyper Bandit from, what she has heard. 

“You saw how tired she was up until radio silence, Sky… Cod, I’m.. I’m scared for her. I can’t stop overthinking.” Bandit’s voice was progressively getting more choked up.

“Bandit, hey… calm down, yeah? You’re gonna work yourself up.” Alyx tried to comfort again.

“Of course I’m worked up!” Sage’s ears lowered at the outburst. “Clover is our friend. We need to do something, not wait around hoping she shows up! Screw that incoming tournament. I can’t do it without knowing where she is.”

“Okay, okay.. breath, babe… come on, please?”

There was silence for a moment. Then Sky sighed. “I’ll send the missing persons out. You two, take care of ‘yer selves. We'll figure this out. Cool off.” Another moment. “Alright. Say hey to Sage ‘fer me.” And then, the door was opened and closed. Sage heard the two talk low to each other. Sage didn’t want to overhear that and moved to her room with heavy hearts.

I hope Clover will be okay..

Sage was minding her own business, just getting out of a ranked battle with her trusty Tri-Stringer. She wiped the sweat from her forehead as Lil’ Buddy saw her and ran up to her, climbing to rest on her shoulder. She smiled. “ Hey, there- sorry I took so long… Almost de-ranked because of some asshole teammates.” She spoke in her native tongue to her buddy as she descended the stairs. She passes other cephalopods hanging around, some in groups and some on their phones. Some look up at her as she passes, giving a strange look at her and the creature on her shoulder. Sage pretends not to notice as she reaches the last step.

It was in the afternoon, a time she enjoys being outside since school is out. Though, it wouldn’t be long until it’s back, to her dismay. She walked over to the side of the staircase and got her phone out to ask if one of her moms could pick her up. Before she could press send, however, she saw an old-looking inkling pop his head out of a sewer grate next to her. They stared at each other in silence, the old man looking at every inch of her, almost like he was looking for something. Then, Lil’ Buddy jumped off her shoulder and made a protective noise at the man's face. “Buddy! Don’t-” Sage squatted down to grab him and held him protectively in her chest. “What do you want?” Sage hissed in defense.

The man didn’t look too phased by her aggression and spoke, “You have that look… If you want to be a part of saving the world, follow me.” He then disappears in the grate, leaving behind a confused squid and salmonid. 

She looked around if anyone else saw the exchange, but no one did. She looked at the grate, then reached for her phone, but hesitated as Lil’ Buddy jumped down and onto the grate. Sage sighed and put her phone back in her pocket. “Fine. We can check it out. But we have to get home before they freak out.” He chirped and jumped on her shoulder as she turned squid and slid through the grate. 

Time slipped away as the newly appointed Agent Three went through some kettles. The crater was almost clear, apart from the big one in the middle of the crater. That needed a lot of power eggs. She collected as much as she could, needing to go back to previous kettles and break a few boxes. The enemies here are weird… Some kind of octarians Cuttlefish was yapping about? She kind of gave up understanding what he was really saying. His words weren’t the Inklish words she was taught. More, maybe, it was just his way of speaking?

But here she was, throwing Lil’ Buddy into the big weird fuzzy pimple a bit away. It cleared the center of the crater. They all looked down at the clearing but there was the sound of music playing coming from above. “Incoming! Something is heading this way FAST!”

Something came flying through the air, sliding down the rocky walls of the crater, and landed in it. It kind of looked like a metal mech. “Gyah ha ha! I finally found you, Cuttlefish! My Octarian troops have gone missing…” The one talking showed himself as an Octoling in swim form, pointing accusingly at the old inkling next to her. “And I know you're behind it!”

Agent Three looked not impressed as they pointed fingers at each other and kept yapping on, until Cuttlefish told her to attack as DJ Octavio turned discs, making music ring out. The agent winced, quickly fixing the aid in her ear to block the music bouncing in her head. She jumped down to face him.

The fight was over as soon as it started. Lil’ Buddy was handy with blocking the ink vac and the fists he threw at her were launched back at him.

Octavio got booted out of his mech and was yet again a perfect opening. He flew into his malfunctioning mech in defeat. “Every time… So sad…” Then the mech got louder and louder until it rocketed into the sky. Agent Three watched in bewilderment as it slowed and crashed back down to earth. The DJ rolled down out of the contraption and sagged, looking exhausted. She should have felt guilty, but she really didn’t. Cuttlefish nodded at her and she followed him to be in front of the Octoling, Lil’ Buddy immediately getting close to stare at him. “Guh… No Fair! Your gear is way too strong!”

“You put on a weak show, Octavio! Your set list is gettin’ old… or maybe it’s just you!” Cuttlefish grinned at his foe. “Seriously, that was too easy. It’s like you weren’t even usin’ the Great Zapfish’s power…” Sage knitted her eyebrows, looking at the mech and seeing no giant eel to be seen flying off. That was too easy… It isn’t here…

“Mute it, fool! I didn’t steal the Zapfish this time!” Ah. There it is. 

“Bwah? You didn’t?! But if it wasn’t you, then…” Sage felt the ground rumble. She instantly breathed in sharply, hearts beating in a panic as Lil’ Buddy ran behind her. The ground cracked, showing the fuzzy ooze seep in between the cracks. It formed around the mech and Octavio. Before she could grab Cuttlefish and her salmonid, the ground under them all caved in. 

The next thing that happened was a blur as she free fell with Cuttlefish and Lil’ Buddy. She tried to reach the Inkling, and the old man shouted for her to help. She had tears in her eyes as the fear of heights hit her. She witnessed Cuttlefish being grabbed by the ooze and yanked down and out of sight as the new agent cried in distress, flipping in the air uncontrollably. Oh cod, oh cod he is dead. He is dead, I couldn’t save him- I can’t- Before she was swallowed with grief yet again, a piece of debris hit her head and knew nothing else.

An Octoling was crouched down, staring down the chasm with a grin. He tapped on his ear piece. “They are dealt with, sir.” He muted himself again and stood back up, looking around the cleared crater. “Tch… I need to redo this area…” 

“Great work, Toronto. You deserve a raise... Get back to HQ.” 

He tapped the ear piece again. “Yes, sir.” He affirmed as he climbed back up to the kettle.

Chapter Text

Captain and the Squid Sisters waited for Cuttlefish to introduce the new recruit. He seemed to be late. Callie kept conversation on what the new Agent Three will be like and potential backstory. It was a good distraction and a bit funny of the idea’s she came up with. Captain, herself, was hoping for a normal young adult with a promising future; maybe in school with a partner. However, Callie ran out of ideas and they all looked at each other once a certain amount of time passed. Marie was the first to try comms. But nothing came through.

“You put a tracker on him, right…?” Callie asked, fidgeting in place.

“Yeah… I’ll get the laptop. One second.” Marie walked off to the building to the side, going up the stairs and through the door.

Captain frowned, sitting up. “He isn’t one to be late… You think he ran into trouble?” Brook voiced.

Callie turned to Captain and put a hand on her shoulder. “Maybe he is telling a story to the noobie. His stories are a bit long. Don’t worry-“

They both flinched as a loud quake came from above. Captain squinted up at the fake sky, raising a hand to block the light. Then, a gut wrenching crack was heard as a hole made itself known with falling debris and fuzzy ooze. The Captain instantly stood. Through the debris, she swore she saw someone fall with it. Her form pulsed and she powered up her special as she ran to the falling debris. Closer now, she saw an unconscious inkling, colored an orangey yellow with purple on the tips. A smallfry was also there with them and, for some reason, on their chest. It looked like it was trying to wake them.

Fuck- She pounced from the snowy ground in a squid jump, heartbeats ringing in her ear as she heard Callie yell after her. She caught up to the inkling, shifting back and gripping tightly in a front hug. The smallfry cried in surprise but calmed as it used its fins to tap the kid’s cheeks. Wait… KID?! Never mind that right now- Falling, idiot!

“RRAAGH, HOLD ON!” She activated Kraken, as the ground was mere seconds away. She wrapped her large tentacles around them. Captain could only wrap their legs and chest to keep them secure. Sorry for the whiplash, kid-

She hit the ground hard, knocking the wind out of her as the kid’s head jerked then rested. Brook swore she saw something coming out of the kid’s ears and a wetness in her own chest, but she didn’t really care right now. She was surprised that she was still awake, but she will take what she can get. She groaned in pain, kraken fading as the weight on her chest grew more heavy. Imma feel that later… shit.

“Oh cod, Brook!” Callie ran over and kneeled down to move the kid off her, laying them beside her. The smallfry ran in circles around them all but eventually rested on the kid’s hand.

Brook breathed heavily. “Heh... It… it’s okay… ‘m good.” She lifted her hand as Callie took it and pulled her up to stand. Callie let Captain lean on her as she looked over the inkling below.

The kid looked to be around 16, very tall with tan skin. Yellow freckles were plastered on her elbows, knees, and cheeks. She had a burn scar on her hip shown through the crop top and sweats she wore. Captain was filled with anger. He recruited another teen… Of course he did. She looked to see that the side of the new agent’s head was bleeding. “Callie…”

Callie looked at Captain, then followed her line of sight. She felt Callie tense, lean down to set the Captain down, and looked at the kid’s head. “Oh, man. I think something hit her head on the way down.”

“Hey! What’s going on?” Swift footsteps made their way over, halting behind them.

“Oh, uh-” They all looked up to see Marie staring down at the new agent. 

“Yeah…” Callie shifted from side to side as Marie kneeled down over the kid with some panic in her face.

The first thing Sage heard was the mumbling of other people, then her Buddy making noises. She groaned, covering her ears with her hands as she tried to open her eyes. It was very white wherever she landed, but she saw Lil’ Buddy in her sight, nudging her. She scrunched her nose and closed her eyes, shaking as noise overstimulated her. A high pitched noise with some kind of dialog on an intercom came through—like the one in school gym class. The plugs came out- I need to find it. She wasn’t aware of anything around her as she struggled to feel around with one hand, but stopped to cover her ears once again as tears fell from her eyes. She heard someone’s voice. Alyx is gon-gonna kill me! Before she suffered more, her plugs were back in her ears one after the other as the noises dulled down to a low volume. She laid there and gasped for air. She felt Lil’ Buddy hugging her arm.

“Oh, goodness… hooo. Okay, she is fine, guys!” Someone shouted above her, she winced. They whispered, “Ooooh… sorry. You hit her head pretty hard on your way down here, but don’t worry!” They whisper-shouted. “Agent Two wrapped your head up and your little friend is right here.”

What…? Sage tried to focus in on her environment, seeing a paneled sky. Then, she looked over at the one who was talking to her. She kind of looked and sounded familiar. “Eugh… Where … Uh, where… happened?” It was hard to make words… Cod.. my head and neck hurt badly… She went to sit up but found her body sore. Seemed about right. Great…

“Oh, let me help you-” Sage let whoever this was help her up. Once she was steady and leaning onto them, she was guided to sit on a crate. Sage was impressed at their strength and how her tallness wasn’t an obstacle.

Once sat, Lil’ Buddy jumped on her shoulder and nuzzled her cheek, smiling. “ Hey, little guy. I’m okay. Don't worry. You put my plugs in yourself?” Lil’ Buddy chriped and nodded, nestling there. “ Thanks, Buddy. I owe ya.”

She turned back to the one who helped her and two others now infront of her. “I'm glad you're okay. You’re Agent Three, right? Gramps enlisted you?”

The other two looked at one another, she couldn’t quite place what it meant. Sage answered with a nod. 

“Yeah, I knew it! I see that look in your eyes that he is always looking for.” Again with the ‘look in your eye’ talk… Whatever… “Well, it’s nice to meet you! I guess we should introduce ourselves…” She winked and held one finger up. “I’m Agent One of the New Squidbeak Splatoon!”

Sage nodded in greeting and her eyes drew to the other side of her. She also looked familiar. Contrast to One, who had dark colors, this one had a lighter tone. She held a fancy looking umbrella in hand. “Hey, I'm Agent Two.” She held her other hand up in a lazy wave.

One shook her head. “C’mon, Agent Two. Get pumped! Anyways,” One gestered to the one in the middle of the two. “One last crew member to introduce… This is our captain!” The Captain was staring at her the whole introduction, but softened her look for her introduction and held up her hand in a peace sign, then looked away. Sage frowned for a moment, anxiety rising. The Alpha of the Splatoon looked intense, but…. She couldn’t find the word for it. The Captain certainly has stories written on her skin from the scars on her long green to maroon tentacles and one on her right eye. Different eye colors… It kind of looks like mom’s scar..

One spoke up again, shaking her thoughts. “Together, we are the New Squidbeak Splatoon!” She smiled widely as she posed with Two. A pose she had seen before, but couldn’t place. Captain huffed and crossed her arms to attempt to pose with One and Two, once Two gave her a look, that is. 

They all wait for a response, but Sage sits there until she gives a tiny wave. They all ended their poseing and Two let out a small ‘Ahem’. “It looks like you and Gramps got separated in that fall, right…?”

Sage nodded, finding her words. “We cleared the crater’s ooze, but, um…” She rubbed her neck and looked at Buddy sleeping on her shoulder. “This guy… DJ Octavio? Yeah… He attacked me with a mech, but I defeated him.” She wracked her brain from what happened next as the others looked at her in shock. “Then Cuttlefish and him were arguing about the Great Zapfish. Apparently, Octavio didn’t steal it, but was looking for his troops and blamed Cuttlefish or something?” Sage shrugged, confused at her own story. She hoped it made sense. “But then, the ground under us caved and uh… oh…”

She felt the Captain’s eyes boaring into her now. Two spoke up. “Oh?”

Sage rubbed her arm and tried to not show how sad she felt. “Well, when I was falling, I saw him being taken by a blob of ooze…I tried to grab him, but… I blacked out…” She took a shaky breath and saw the agents look at each other in a silent conversation, then down to the Captain, who now stared at the ground like she was gonna kill someone; a look Sage knew well from Alyx.

“Alright,” Two nodded, thinking. “This place is huge, and it’s filled with that horrible fuzzy ooze stuff. And now, we have to find Gramps before he like,” Two looked at Callie who shrugged. “...tastes it, or something.”

“Yeah! Let’s find Gramps!”

Sage kind of found that remark funny. Cuttlefish did seem curious enough to touch it if he didn’t find anyone soon. 

“Oh, they’re in. Probably just too excited about looking for someone else’s grandpa to speak.” Two added, with a social technique called ‘sarcasm.’ 

Sage couldn’t help smiling. “So, Gramps reeled in a new Agent Three… Glad to have you, kid.” New? There was another Three or something?

Before anything else happened however, she tensed as she heard the chime of her phone ringing somewhere behind the Captain. Sage stood like a deer in headlights as the Captain looked behind her and grabbed it.

“Oh! Right! Your phone-” One yoinked it from the Captain's hand and gave it to her. Sage took it quickly, noticing some new lines of cracks on it with Bandit’s contact picture showing. Sage turned away to answer it, limping a bit away.

“Oh hey, mama-” Sage croaked, checking the time, which read 8:30pm. Oh, fuck.

“SAGE! Where are you? We haven’t heard from you in hours!” Bandit shouted anxiously through the speaker, flinching. “I told you to call me for a pick up.”

“Uh, yeah, uh- Time went fast and I uh…” If I go home saying I did anarchy, they wouldn't believe me in this shape… “I was about to call you, but um.” She looked back at One and Two talking quietly with each other as Captain once again stared daggers into her soul. Sage gulped and sighed. “Something happened…”

“What do you mean?! Your freaking me out of how vague that is, sweetie-”

Sage flinched again and felt Lil’ Buddy climb her leg, chirping into the phone. “I- I may have um. Got jumped?” Okay. That is a decent lie- yeah!

“WHAT!” Sage had to pull the phone away at that shout. Well Captain definitely heard that- “ARE YOU OKAY??? ARE YOU HURT? OH COD, ALYX GET OVER HERE-” Fuck. She heard Bandit quickly repeat what she said and immediately gave up the phone. 

“Sage, where are you right now?” Their voice boomed and a chill ran down her back. 

“I’m uh.” She quickly looked back, noticing Agent Two stepped up and took the phone from Sage’s shaking hand.

“Hey, uh, you're this kid’s parent, right?” Two calmly spoke, winking to Sage as One came from behind and held her shoulder in comfort.

“Yes. Who am I speaking to?”

“I’m Margo. I was just going shopping but saw this young lady getting outnumbered and picked on with her pet. I and a few others helped, but the group ran off. Your kid got punched in the head pretty bad… fell unconscious for a bit, but I patched her up as well as I could before you called.” Damn, that is a good lie…

“I see… Thank you so much for helping her. My wife and I can take it from here, if you don’t mind guiding both her and I. Where is she?” Two smiled at her handy work.

“We are just outside of the table turf area.”

“Alright. We’ll be there in ten. Thank you, again, miss. We really appreciate your help.”

“Of course.” Two handed the phone back to Sage with a smile.

“Sorry, mom, uh-“

“Sage, you’re okay. I’m not mad at you. Stay put until we get there, okay? We can talk more, then.”

“Uh, okay. Bye.”

“Mhm.” The call ended and Sage let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank you…” Sage looked up as Two nodded. 

“I’ll get my undercover gear on and come with you, since I'm committed to the bit.” Two walked off behind the crates.

One patted her shoulder. “We got you covered! Next time, we’ll brief you and tell you what the deal is.” She smiled brightly. “You might want to change from what you were wearing before…”

“Oh.. uh. It is still at the crater… Might have lost it.”

“Hm… Two can work shop it if they ask, I guess. But before you leave, Mind if I ask your name, age, and if you’re in school? NSS protocol for potential minors heh.” She fidgeted.

“Oh, uh- Sage… I'm 16. I will go back to high school in a few days.” Sage watched as Lil’ Buddy jumped off her and ran in circles around them.

“Oooo! That's a pretty name!” One said as Two walked up to them.

“Okay, kid. Ready?” Sage nodded. Two wore a face mask and cap with shorts and a jacket, a shirt underneath it. 

“Be safe, Sage! See you!” One waved as Two guided her to the exit kettle. Sage saw the Captain break her stare finally and look up at One with a face she couldn’t place. Sage turned back as Marie stopped in front of the warp.

“Alright. You are well enough to shift, right?”

“I think so.. We’ll see."

The whole time, Captain’s thoughts were going haywire. She did not approve of Craig’s choice. She just saw another version of her staring back. Was he actively trying to recruit minors with trauma or something? Because that has been a striking trend. Once “Three” looked away and left with Marie, Brook instantly stood and growled in frustration.

“Callie- What the actual FUCK is Craig pulling here? Is this a fucking joke?!” 

Callie instantly stood back in surprise. “Brook, calm down- What do you mean by a joke? I thought she was cool.”

“Seriously, Cal?” Callie shrugged nervously. “She is a kid- 16, in fact! Do you not see how fucked this is? Every time- She is younger than me when I joined!” She angrily paced, arms wildly motioning. “No fucking way I’m dragging another kid into this drama. I’ll find Craig myself and slap him upside the head-” Brook was cut off as Callie grabbed her arm tightly, stopping her arm motions and stealing her focus.

“Calm down, Brook.” Callie said. She finally realized that her tentacles were rippling like fire. That has been happening a lot. It seemed to replace the sanitized flares, but at least it was helpful in making specials on the fly. 

Brook huffed and pulled her arm out of her grasp. “You should know how this goes, Callie. To me, Willow, Clover, Elly. Even you and Marie.” She sat back on her box, pulling the cap and her headset off.

Callie frowned, but she sighed and scooched next to her captain. Brook watched her look ahead with an almost-pained look, something she doesn’t see often apart from her hypnoshades episodes or some idol drama getting in her head. “I know how it goes.” She looked down at her hands with a sad smile. “You know that Gramps made me an agent first, but… Marie wasn’t an agent the same time I was. The things Gramps trained me and my first experiences were… something. Gramps realized I couldn’t do it alone and approached Marie about it, but- I never wanted her to be an agent. But I said nothing and things eventually worked out. Until… It happened.” Callie sighed, looking back at Brook. “Being an agent is never not going to be hard. But someone has to rise to the occasion. Just like you and the others. I can tell that this new agent has a drive… I have a feeling she wants to help… to prove something. She may be young, but she stuck with Gramps enough to stay. Everyone here has a reason to be an agent.” Callie smiled and took Brook’s hand. 

The Captain took it all in. She couldn’t really argue with that. Brook took a breath and finally calmed. “Fine… But next time she is here, we need to gather information on her.”

Callie nodded. “Yeahhhhh. We will get to it. Marie probably got some intel and hopefully Sage’s number, hah.” She stood, offering her hand.

“Sage, huh?” Brook took her sister's hand. “Thank you.. Sorry I was an asshole.”

“Nothing I'm not familair with.” Callie giggled, the two walking to the warp and making their way back home. “Plus, as Willow says, ‘You are not an ass, just a butt. And they are not the same things!’”

Brook rolled her eyes, but smiled regardless.